- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Watford to Edinburgh
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£59
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£59
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
9 h 28 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
10 h 25 m
Buses on 18 Sept
5
Distance
512 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Watford to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Edinburgh will cost around £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £59.
Fast coaches
To travel from Watford to Edinburgh you need to make at least 2 changes.
6:3211h03Watford17:35Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes- 11:4010h05Watford21:45Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes
- 19:5410h31Watford6:25Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes
- 20:4710h58Watford7:45Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes
- 22:479h28Watford8:15Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes
- 22:479h28Watford8:15Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes
- 11:4010h05Watford21:45Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes
- 19:5410h31Watford6:25Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes
- 20:4710h58Watford7:45Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes
- 6:3211h03Watford17:35Edinburgh£591One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Watford to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £42, while a train costs an average of £91.
Distance: 512 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£59 Average Price | £91 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest | £141 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 5m Average total duration 10h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 36m Average total duration 6h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Watford to Edinburgh is a flight with an average price of £42.
This is compared to other travel options from Watford to Edinburgh:
A flight is £18 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Watford to Edinburgh costing on average £59.
A flight is £49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford to Edinburgh costing on average £91.
The fastest way to travel from Watford to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 21m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 6m.
Coach takes on average 10h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Watford and Edinburgh including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £59 compared to roughly £141 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £81. The journey takes 10h 35m versus 6h 59m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Watford to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Edinburgh coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:32 Watford | 11h03 | 17:35 Edinburgh | 2 changes | |
| 11:40 Watford | 10h05 | 21:45 Edinburgh | 2 changes | |
| 19:54 Watford | 10h31 | 6:25 Edinburgh | 2 changes | |
| 20:47 Watford | 10h58 | 7:45 Edinburgh | 2 changes | |
| 22:47 Watford | 9h28 | 8:15 Edinburgh | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford to Edinburgh by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Watford to Edinburgh coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Arriva UK offer coaches services from Watford to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Arriva UK to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Edinburgh.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Watford to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Watford to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Watford to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Watford to Edinburgh run on average 5 times per day, taking around 10h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £59 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.
The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 512 km distance in 9h 28m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Distance 512 km |
Average bus duration 10h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £59 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 9h 28m |
First bus 0:25 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Bus providers: National Express, Arriva UK from Watford to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Watford to Edinburgh with National Express, Arriva UK for as low as £18. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
10h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
£35
National Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Arriva UK Duration
9h 28m
Cheapest Arriva UK Price
£59
Arriva UK frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
- Recommended
Fruitmarket
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Bus Station -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment works on Lothian Buses and for adult single tram tickets. Tram contactless capping is available, but Lothian bus TapTapCap does not apply on trams.
- City Day tickets are valid on Lothian Buses and on Edinburgh Trams within the city zone only. Travel to or from Edinburgh Airport needs the appropriate airport or network fare.
FAQs: Watford to Edinburgh coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford to Edinburgh by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Watford to Edinburgh can start from as little as £59 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Watford to Edinburgh is £59; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Watford to Edinburgh is 9h 28m to travel the 512 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Watford to Edinburgh leaves at 0:25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Watford to Edinburgh leaves at 23:45.
There are 5 coaches a day from Watford to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express, Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Watford to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Watford and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from Watford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 28m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Watford to Edinburgh is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Watford and Edinburgh including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Watford to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Watford to Edinburgh for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Watford to Edinburgh depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Watford to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Watford to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Watford to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Watford to Edinburgh.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Watford to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Watford to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Watford to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express.
Most popular bus connections from Watford
More options for your journey from Watford to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Watford
Most popular bus connections
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